State-of-the-art disaster preparedness centre opens its doors to public

تم النشر: 19 ديسمبر 2013 11:29 CET

Cutting the ribbon and opening the Centre for the public: Dr Argymbayev Erkebek, The President of Kazakh Red Crescent with Mrs Besbayeva Bayan – the rector of the Academy of Labour in Kazakhstan. Kazakh Red Crescent

The facility, which is due to offer training services to the Red Crescent staff and volunteers, as well as to members of the public, will equip people with skills needed to respond to disasters. Offering interactive courses and furnished with modern equipment, the centre will provide appropriate educational material for emergency situations such as floods, earthquakes and other common accidents and medical hazards.

"We are looking to build up the readiness levels and skills of communities and individuals, in the event of disasters,” said Yerkebek Argymbayev, the President of the Kazakh Red Crescent. This new facility will cater to a wide range of emergency situations including natural disasters and those of a technological character.

“It is one of the key roles of the Red Crescent to equip our communities with life-saving skills and support authorities when disasters occur. We are hopeful this centre will play a key role in raising a generation of citizens more aware of the world around them, and willing to respond to crises.”

Argymbayev added that the new centre would also offer first aid classes; as well as work and social relations education – a module which will be conducted by the partner organisation, the Kazakh Academy of Work and the Social Relations.

The opening of the new centre is particularly apt as the country faces an extremely high risk of earthquake.

Tolkyn Isabekova, head of the training centre, said much focus will be on outreach to youth, students and volunteers. “Emergency response knowledge is essential to all in this day and age, and it can help save lives,” he said. “Training modules on first aid for students, volunteers and teachers will be free, while subsidised fees will be offered to corporate clients. We are also planning to roll out corporate training sessions for local enterprises and international firms and organisations working in Kazakhstan.”